TONI WILLIAMS (R.I.P.)

Legendary singer and entertainer Toni Williams (MNZM)
passed away in Christchurch Hospital on 1st October 2016, at the age of 77. A
celebration of Toni's life will be held at "The Piano" 156 Armagh Street, on
Friday 7th October at 1.00 p.m.

TRIBUTES

Very sad to hear of Toni passing today, I knew Toni growing up in Auckland
and we formed a rock and roll band called The Tremellos. There was
Toni, vocals and guitar, John Stowers, piano, Graham Page ,R/guitar, Nga
Williams, bass, and myself on drums, this was back in the late 50s and
Toni and his Tremellos were doing well. He will be missed and
remembered as a good guy and a great entertainer. R.I.P. Toni
Williams - Noel Peterson

I remember him well, we backed him at the Milford Marina hotel on
Auckland's north shore, he was a real gentleman and a great entertainer.
Toni you will be sadly missed - Pat Harrison

I will always recall Toni as being, firstly, possessor of a sensational
voice. He had a great range, he seemed to be able to sing anything
in any key, with an uncanny ability to sing in his head. I recall he
borrowed a chart from Colin and I (Napier
Brothers), to sing "If" on bandstand. It was in the wrong key so he
just sang it an octave higher and smashed it. Secondly he was such
great company. Always up for a gathering. It was great
catching up with Toni and Helen a couple of years back at Jupiters on the
Goldie. Colin Lock and Charlie (I know) Smith where there too. Toni
was special. He will be missed. Toni (Whisky lips) Williams
RIP - Max Hyde

Toni was here in Australia for many years, a well respected entertainer on
the Australian circuit, appearing on all the major TV shows, clubs etc.
and well liked by all his fellow performers, many a laugh was had playing
golf with him. I know all his friends here are deeply saddened by
his passing. God bless you Toni and to Helen and family our thoughts
are with you. - Colin Lock

Toni Williams. A gentleman and a fine talent. -
Neil Harrap

I am very saddened to hear the news of Toni's passing please pass on my
deepest sympathy to his family. I have worked with Toni many times over
the years a very kind and gentle man who always sang up a storm. May he
rest in peace. R.I.P. Toni Williams. -
Dinah Lee

Another sad passing of a stalwart of our NZ music history. I met
Tony when he was a carpenter [pre The Tremolos I think] in the early
sixties and then had the pleasure of backing him with his "floor-show"
many times in the 60's and 70's when he became a top solo artist. He
was a relaxed and accomplished singer and entertainer with a beautiful
voice. I believe musicians that aren't old enough to remember this
era can't really understand the high standard and the position people like
Tony held in the entertainment world in NZ. Sir Howard and Tony were
the equivalent of a Lorde in today's industry. They were giants.
Maybe not on the world stage but certainly in NZ. I remember Tony
for his relaxed and friendly style and the way he treated his backing
musicians as equals unlike some today. He was a lovely man and will
be missed and remembered as one of our greats. I can still see his
wonderful smile and hear his laugh even after nearly 50 years. RIP
Tony you lovely man. - Bill Belton

Many of the death notices you post are unfamiliar to me because of my long
absence from NZ. Toni however is an exception. He was an
inspiration in my youth and later I got to work with him in both NZ and
Australia. I was saddened to see a post on Facebook this morning
from Gray Bartlett. Toni was a giant of the industry even if in
later years he wasn't exactly a household name in this country. May
he rest easy... - Ian Saxon

It is sad to read of the passing of another NZ Music Legend. Toni
was a joy to work with, to be with, and to tour NZ with. My
heartfelt sympathy to Toni's family, loved ones & wider whanau. Say
hello to all the mates who await us in that big band in heaven Toni.
Much love & the greatest respect to you doy. -
Larry Morris